Azzouz, A and Papadonikolaki, E (2020) Boundary-spanning for managing digital innovation in the AEC sector. Architectural Engineering and Design Management, 16(5), pp. 356-373. ISSN 1745-2007
Abstract
Managing projects in Architecture, Engineering, Construction (AEC) undergoes a digital transformation as novel technologies emerge. Digital technologies, such as Building Information Modelling (BIM), push this transformation. Innovation happens in firms and project-based organisations where agents shape how digital technologies are adopted and implemented. This study offers insights into agents of digital innovation, by conducting engaged scholarship within the case study of one large international multi-disciplinary consultancy. The study first builds upon qualitative data collected by interviewing digital agents. Additional data, for triangulation and research validation, were collected from an internal online platform. The analysis revealed a disconnect between digital agents' technical background, skills and their managerial routines. These individuals crossed professional, hierarchical and organisational boundaries, showed multi-membership and held fluid identities. This has implications for the interfaces between organisational behaviour and projects. The study concludes with suggestions for AEC organisations to reap the benefits of digitalisation.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | boundary spanner; boundary theory; digital technologies; innovation; project manager |
| Index terms: | routine, platform, digitalization, case study, project manager, building information modelling, organizational behaviour, project-based organization, transformation, validation, identity, boundaries, consultancy, triangulation, digital technology, agent |
| Subjects: | property law, digital technology, practitioner, computing systems, business, research design and methodology, organization, data collection methods, profession, information systems, sociology, professional development, digital design |
| Topics: | Digital Applications, Legal Issues, Organizational Design, Business Strategy, Information Management, Research Practice, Roles and Professions |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCEA |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here